Methods for stabilizing physical dimensions and positioning of knitted electrodes of a knitted garment

ABSTRACT

A method for stabilizing the physical dimensions and positioning of at least one selected textile region of a knitted garment. The method includes producing the garment including a conductive textile electrode, rigidifying the at least one selected textile region and knitting a preconfigured region proximal to the at least one selected textile region with a lower knitting density than the preconfigured density of the tubular form. The invention further provides a garment having a tubular form, knitted by a seamless knitting machine with base-yarns. The garment includes at least one conductive textile electrode. The garment further includes at least one preconfigured region in proximity to the at least one selected textile region, having a lower knitting density than the preconfigured density of the tubular form and the at least one selected textile region.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/767,563, filed Aug. 12, 2015, which is National Phase patentapplication of International Application No. PCT/IL2014/050134, filedFeb. 7, 2014, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/763,963, filed Feb. 13, 2013, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/771,874, filed Mar. 3, 2013, thedisclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to knitted fabrics and more particularly,the present invention relates to wearable health monitoring systems,having knitted electrodes, wherein the knitted electrodes and theknitted fabric in the vicinity of the knitted electrodes are devised tomaintain substantially steady dimensions, a substantially steadydistance from each other, in particular between horizontally adjacentelectrodes, and to maintain substantially steady bodily position withrespect to the skin of the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

Knitted electrodes in the garment are made of conductive yarn, whichconductive yarn is knitted together with other basic yarns such asNylon, bare spandex, covered spandex and/or other types of yarn.

The positioning of an electrode against a monitored living body is ofcritical importance for obtaining proper ECG signals, especially whenthe monitored living body is in motion. Moreover, the repeatability ofthe electrodes location on the body is of critical importance forcomparing ECG signals in separate measurement sessions.

When designing a knitted ECG garment, there is a need to ensure that theelectrodes are repeatably positioned at the same respectivepre-configured positions with respect to the monitored living body, fora given garment size designated to be worn by a variety of people.Usually, people of the same size have different body structure, weightand height, which may affect the respective position of the electrodeson their body, though the garment is of the same size.

Being knitted in a fabric, the electrodes gain a natural stretch, whichstretch may affect the quality by introducing artifacts and damage therepeatability of the recorded ECG signals. Furthermore, garment beingknitted, and thereby stretchable, may cause the electrodes to move withrespect to the adjacent skin of the wearer, which may further affect thequality by introducing artifacts and damage the repeatability of therecorded signals. These damaging artifacts may occur because of changesin the electrode electrical characteristics, and may cause unnecessarynoises in the system during breathing and bodily motions, wherein thespatial positioning of an electrode, with respect to the monitoredorgan, may change.

There is a need to stabilize the bodily position of the sensing knittedelectrodes with respect to the skin of the wearer, in order to obtain astable signal through the skin, the skin having a high impedance. Inorder to achieve a stable biological signal (such as ECG) reading, oneneeds to establish a stable interface between the electrodes and theskin of the wearer. The biological signal source needs to face stableresistance values that have only small variations as a result ofbreathing or shifting in the electrode position relative to thebiological signal source.

In electric terms, the voltage sensed by the electrode can berepresented by: E=I×Z. When the electrical impedance Z is substantiallyconstant, as desired, the voltage E measured by the electrode dependsonly on changes of the current I and that is exactly what we want tomeasure. That is, the electrode size or re-positioning should not affectthe measurement of voltage E. we want to sense only the signal changesthat result from the biological changes such as the heart activity, whenmeasuring ECG.

By the retention of physical dimensions, that is area size andimpedance, of the knitted electrode, one can obtain a signal that is notaffected by changes damaging artifact but a signal representing only thephysiological changes of the body.

There is therefore a need and it would be advantageous to have methodsfor knitting a garment such that the elasticity of one or more selectedregions is stabilized, for example by rigidifying the selected regionsand thereby maintain the original dimensions of these regions.Furthermore, there is a need for a stable and repeatable positioning ofelectrodes at respective pre-configured bodily location, whichpositioning is of extreme importance to obtain good ECG signals,facilitating clinical level ECG, while the monitored person is either inrest or is moving, jumping or walking.

It should be noted that the term “ECG signals”, as used herein, refersto any physiological signal of the monitored living being that can besensed directly or indirectly by an electrode, including signals for ECGanalysis.

The terms “underwear” or “garment”, as used herein with conjunction withwearable clothing items, refers to seamless wearable clothing items thatpreferably, can be tightly worn adjacently to the body of a monitoredliving being, typically adjacently to the skin, including undershirts,sport shirts, brassiere, underpants, special hospital shirts, socks andthe like. Typically, the terms “underwear” or “garment” refer to aclothing item that is worn adjacently to the external surface of theuser's body, under external clothing or as the only clothing, in such away that the fact that there are sensors embedded therein, is not seenby any other person in regular daily behavior. An underwear item mayalso include a clothing item that is not underwear per se, but still isin direct and preferably tight contact with the skin, such as a T-shirt,sleeveless or sleeved shirts, sport-bra, tights, dancing-wear, andpants. The sensors, in such a case, can be embedded in such a way thatthey remain unseen by external people to comply with the “seamless”requirement.

The phrase “clinical level ECG”, as used herein with conjunction withECG measurements, refers to the professionally acceptable number ofleads, sensitivity and specificity needed for a definite conclusion bymost cardiology physicians to suspect a risky cardiac problem (forexample, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, heart failure) that requireimmediate further investigation or intervention. Currently, it is atleast a 12-leads ECG and preferably 15-lead ECG, coupled with amotion/posture compensation element, and a real-time processor withadequate algorithms.

The phrase “base-yarn”, as used herein, refers to the yarn from whichthe fabric of the garment is knitted. The fabric is typically knittedwith Nylon, bare Spandex and covered spandex. In another exampleembodiment, the fabric is typically knitted with a base-yarn such asNylon and covered spandex. It should be noted that such a garment can beknitted with any type of base-yarn, including Nylon yarn textured orflat, selected types of Nylons, Polyester, Polypropylene, Acetate,manmade fibers, natural yarns like cotton, bamboo, wool, and blends ofthe mentioned raw materials. Selection of yarn is also based on fabricweight, body size for men and women, fabric weight and designrequirements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an intention of the present invention to provide methods forknitting a garment such that the elasticity of one or more selectedregions is prevented or at least limited and thereby substantiallymaintaining the original dimensions of these regions.

It should be noted that the present invention will be described in termsof the regions, in which regions' elasticity is substantially preventedor at least limited, being knitted electrodes, but these regions are notlimited to being knitted electrodes, and may be any knitted region in aknitted fabric.

Knitted electrodes in a garment are made of conductive yarn, whichconductive yarn is knitted together with other basic yarns such asNylon, bare spandex, covered spandex and/or other types of synthetic,manmade, or natural yarn.

It is an intention of the present invention to provide methods forobtaining stable and repeatable positioning of electrodes at respectivepre-configured bodily location, which positioning is of extremeimportance to obtain good ECG signals, facilitating clinical level ECG,while the monitored person is either in rest or is moving, includingrunning, jumping or walking. It is the intention of the presentinvention to ensure that the ECG signals are obtained from substantiallythe same location on the monitored body.

Once the exact locations of electrodes: RA, LA, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6,RL and LL, and optionally, V7, V8 and V9, are selected for each garmentsize, the electrodes are knitted with their special knittingconstruction using a conductive yarn having a preconfigured distancefrom each other.

It is an intention of the present invention to provide methods formaintaining this substantially fixed distance between each of theelectrodes, even when the garment is stretched during wearing or thewearer is in motion.

According to teachings of the present invention, there is provided amethod for substantially reducing the elasticity of at least oneselected textile region of a knitted garment, the method including thesteps of knitting the garment in a tubular form with a preconfiguredknitting density, wherein at least one conductive textile electrode isintegrally knitted into the garment, while knitting the garment, andrigidifying the at least one selected textile region. The rigidifyingprocess includes applying rigidifying matter onto and/or into the atleast one selected textile region, thereby substantially reducing theelasticity of said at least one selected textile region.

Preferably, the textile electrode is knitted with higher knittingdensity than the preconfigured knitting density of the tubular form.

Typically, with no limitations, the at least one selected textile regionis the at least one conductive textile electrode.

The at least one selected textile region is selected from the groupconsisting of a conductive textile electrode and a region of the garmentsituated between two adjacent textile electrodes.

Typically, with no limitation, the garment and the at least oneconductive textile electrode are produced by a knitting machine such asa Santoni knitting machine or an equivalent machine.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),wherein the TPU is laminated over the external surface of the at leastone selected textile region.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is fusible knitting yarn having a lowmelting point, wherein the fusible yarn is knitted over the externalsurface of the at least one selected textile region. When the fabric ofthe garment is dyed, the fusible yarn melts and thereby creates a stableand rigidified area.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic knitting yarn havingno or limited elasticity, wherein a frame, having a preconfigured width,is knitted around the at least one conductive textile electrode, usingthe non-elastic yarn.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no orlimited elasticity, wherein the non-elastic yarn is sewn over the atleast one selected textile region.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic knitting yarn havingno or limited elasticity, wherein the non-elastic yarn is knitted in aregion of the garment between two adjacent textile electrodes.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no orlimited elasticity, and wherein said non-elastic yarn is sewn over saidat least one selected textile region.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a cross polymer lubricant, whereinthe cross polymer lubricant is spayed over the at least one selectedtextile region.

According to further teachings of the present invention, there isprovided a method for substantially reducing the elasticity of at leastone selected textile region of a knitted garment. The method includesknitting the garment in a tubular form, wherein at least one conductivetextile electrode is integrally knitted into the garment, while knittingthe garment; rigidifying the at least one selected textile region,thereby substantially reducing the elasticity of said at least oneselected textile region; and knitting a preconfigured region proximal tothe at least one selected textile region with a lower knitting densitythan said preconfigured density of said tubular form, to thereby form aloosened region the preconfigured region that is in proximity to the atleast one conductive textile electrode.

The rigidifying process may include applying rigidifying matter ontoand/or into the at least one selected textile region, therebysubstantially reducing the elasticity of the at least one selectedtextile region.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),wherein the TPU is laminated over the external surface of the at leastone selected textile region.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is fusible knitting yarn having a lowmelting point, wherein the fusible yarn is knitted over the externalsurface of the at least one selected textile region. When the fabric ofthe garment is dyed, the fusible yarn melts and thereby creates a stableand rigidified area.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic knitting yarn havingno or limited elasticity, wherein a frame, having a preconfigured width,is knitted around the at least one conductive textile electrode, usingthe non-elastic yarn.

The at least one selected textile region is selected from the groupconsisting of a conductive textile electrode and a region of the garmentsituated between two adjacent textile electrodes.

Typically, with no limitation, the garment and the at least oneconductive textile electrode are produced by a knitting machine such asa Santoni knitting machine or an equivalent machine.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no orlimited elasticity, wherein the non-elastic yarn is sewn over the atleast one selected textile region.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic knitting yarn havingno or limited elasticity, wherein the non-elastic yarn is knitted in aregion of the garment between two adjacent textile electrodes.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a cross polymer lubricant, whereinthe cross polymer lubricant is spayed over the at least one selectedtextile region.

Optionally, the method further comprising the step of modifying theelasticity of at least one other selected region of the garment.

Typically, with no limitations, the at least one selected textile regionis the at least one conductive textile electrode.

Typically, with no limitations, the rigidifying process includesknitting the garment with a preconfigured knitting density, wherein theat least one textile electrode is knitted with higher knitting densitythan the preconfigured knitting density of the tubular form.

According to further teachings of the present invention, there isprovided a method for knitting a garment having a tubular form beingknitted with a base-yarn, including knitting at least one conductivetextile electrode, using a knitting machine having N participatingfeeders and M needles. The method includes the steps of continuouslyknitting the tubular form with one or more flexible non-conductivebase-yarns and with a preconfigured knitting density, and knitting theat least one textile electrode integrally within the tubular form, usinga conductive yarn, in addition to the non-conductive yarns.

The conductive yarn is knitted in a float-loop form by knitting a stitchand skipping over y needles, as follows:

-   -   a) continue knitting with at least one base-yarn, when start        knitting a current line segment of a conductive textile        electrode, preferably in a knit-and-miss knitting scheme.    -   b) knitting a line segment L_(k), using feeder F_(i) and start        stitching with needle D_(j).    -   c) knitting line the next segment L_(k+1), using the next feeder        F_(i+1) and start stitching the first float-loop with needle        D_(j+s), where 0<s<y.    -   d) repeat steps (i) and (ii) for N feeders and for a        preconfigured number of line segments, wherein each line segment        has a preconfigured length.    -   e) resume knitting with the base-yarns, when completed knitting        the current line segment.

The float-loops are knitted in a shifted needle knitting scheme,together with unique digital knitting density control, to therebyimprove the pressure and the tightness of the at least one conductivetextile electrode to the skin of the user.

A preconfigured region, proximal to the at least one conductive textileelectrode, is knitted with a lower knitting density than thepreconfigured density of the tubular form, to thereby form a loosenedknitted fabric in that region being in proximity to the at least oneconductive textile electrode.

The knit-and-miss scheme is selected from the group of knitting schemesincluding:

-   -   a) knit-one-and-miss-one knitting pattern.    -   b) knit-two-and-miss-one knitting pattern.    -   c) knit-one-and-miss-two knitting pattern.

Optionally, a preconfigured region of the tubular form, disposed aroundand adjacently to the at least one textile electrode, is knitted withhigher knitting density than the preconfigured knitting density of thetubular form.

According to further teachings of the present invention, there isprovided a garment having a tubular form, being knitted by a seamlessknitting machine with base-yarns, the garment including at least oneconductive textile electrode, the at least one conductive textileelectrode including a multiplicity of knitted line segments, eachknitted with a conductive yarn and a spandex yarn, wherein the spandexyarn is knitted continuously.

The tubular form is knitted with a preconfigured knitting density. Apreconfigured region, proximal to the at least one conductive textileelectrode, is knitted with a lower knitting density than thepreconfigured density of the tubular form, to thereby form a loosenedknitted fabric in that region being in proximity to the at least oneconductive textile electrode.

At least one of the base-yarns continues knitting when the knitting acurrent line segment of a conductive textile electrode begins,preferably in a knit-and-miss knitting scheme.

Preferably, the conductive yarn has a float-loop form, forming amultiplicity of the float-loops, wherein each of the float-loops isknitted by skipping over y needles between consecutive stitches. A givenline segment starts stitching by needle D_(j), and the next line segmentstarts stitching by needle D_(j+s), where 0<s<y.

Preferably, the textile electrode is knitted with higher knittingdensity than the preconfigured knitting density of the tubular form.

Optionally, at least one selected textile region of the garment isrigidified by applying rigidifying matter onto or into the at least oneselected textile region, wherein the at least one selected textileregion is selected from the group consisting of a conductive textileelectrode and a region of the garment situated between two adjacenttextile electrodes.

Optionally, the at least one selected textile region is rigidified usingTPU, and wherein the TPU is laminated over the external surface of theat least one selected textile region.

Optionally, the at least one selected textile region is rigidified usingfusible yarn having a low melting point, wherein the a fusible yarn isknitted over the external surface of the at least one selected textileregion, and when the garment is dyed, the fusible yarn melts and therebycreates a stable and rigidified area.

Optionally, the at least one selected textile region is rigidified usinga non-elastic yarn having no or limited elasticity, wherein a frame,having a preconfigured width, is knitted around the at least oneconductive textile electrode, using the non-elastic yarn.

Optionally, the at least one selected textile region is rigidified usinga non-elastic yarn having no or limited elasticity, wherein thenon-elastic yarn is knitted in the region of the garment between twoadjacent textile electrodes.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a cross polymer lubricant, andwherein the cross polymer lubricant is sprayed over in the at least oneselected textile region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which aregiven by way of illustration and example only and thus not limitative ofthe present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary garment, having atubular form, wherein textile electrodes are knitted therein, and thenrigidified according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 outlines an example knitting scheme of a conductive electrodedesigned for a Santoni type knitting machine, according to embodimentsof the present invention, wherein the conductive electrode is rigidifiedwith a nylon yarn.

FIG. 3a is a schematic illustration of an exemplary garment, having atubular form, wherein textile electrodes are knitted therein, andwherein regions of the garment, immediately adjacent to the textileelectrodes, are rigidified or loosened, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3b is a schematic detailed illustration of a textile structure(160).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided, sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. Thevarious appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “someembodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.Although various features of the invention may be described in thecontext of a single embodiment, the features may also be providedseparately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although theinvention may be described herein in the context of separate embodimentsfor clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a singleembodiment.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least one embodiments, but not necessarilyall embodiments, of the inventions. It is understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed aslimiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing orcompleting manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selectedsteps or tasks. The term “method” refers to manners, means, techniquesand procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limitedto, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, orreadily developed from known manners, means, techniques and proceduresby practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. Thedescriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claimsand the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather asillustrative only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to becommonly understood as to which the invention belongs, unless otherwisedefined. The present invention can be implemented in the testing orpractice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to thosedescribed herein.

It should be noted that orientation related descriptions such as“bottom”, “up”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lower”, “top” and the like,assumes that the is worn by a person being in a standing position.

The knitted electrodes in the garment are made of conductive yarns,wherein each conductive yarn is knitted together with other basic yarnssuch as Nylon, bare spandex, covered spandex and/or other types of yarn.The methods described assume usage of a Santoni knitting machine or anequivalent machine.

The electrodes location and level of pressure of the electrode on thebody, in particular for textile electrodes, is critical for measuringelectrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram(EOG), and other medical parameters. The location, shape, and size ofeach of the electrodes are critical for good and efficient ECG, EEG,EOG, signals reading, while taking into account the efficiency of ECGreading signals, wearing comfort, correct size for men and women,knitting capabilities, etc. Furthermore, it is critical for measuringECG, EEG, EOG and other medical parameters, that the spacing among theelectrodes remains stable.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary knitted smart garment20, according to embodiments of the present invention, having knittedtextile electrodes 100 knitted therein, wherein typically, textileelectrodes 100 are interconnected with a processor (not shown) byconductive means (not shown). Knitted smart garment 20 has a tubularform, wherein textile electrodes 100 are knitted integrally therein. Theknitted electrodes are located in the selected areas on the fabric basedon the desired ECG signals efficiency.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide mean for stabilizingthe physical dimensions and the bodily positioning of textile electrodes100. A first mean to stabilizing the physical dimensions and the bodilypositioning of selected textile electrodes 100 is to rigidify thesetextile electrodes 100. Various types of rigidifying means are shown inFIG. 1. While textile electrode 100 represents a non-rigidifiedelectrode, textile electrodes 110, 120, 130 and 140 represent rigidifiedelectrodes.

Textile electrode 110 represents an electrode rigidified by a film ofrigid material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Electrode 110is typically laminated with a rigidifying film on the surface ofelectrode 110 distal from the skin of the monitored body (referred toherein as the “external surface” of the electrode), according to someembodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the externalsurface of electrode 110 is the side that does not have the knittedterry loops. Typically, there is no need to apply heat or pressure tobond the film.

In some embodiments, special TPU film is used, wherein the film isbonded to the fabric by glue. Optionally, one side of the film has glueapplied thereon, and thus, can be glued onto a fabric.

Once the TPU is glued onto selected electrodes, the TPU substantiallyprevents or at least limits electrodes 110 from stretching and therebyfacilitates receiving stable signals reading.

It should be noted that TPU film may have selected colors or may have nocolor at all.

Textile electrode 120 represents an electrode rigidified by fusibleyarn, having a low melting point. The special fusible yarn (white linesin FIG. 1) is knitted together with the electrodes, extending proximallyto the external surface of electrode 120.

Typically, when the fabric is dyed, the fusible yarn melts and therebycreates a stable and rigidified area, which prevents or at least limitsthe elasticity of electrode 120.

The amount of fusible yarn in the electrode is determined by the amountof knitted courses in the electrodes with the fusible yarn.

Textile electrode 130 represents an electrode rigidified by building arigid zone around selected electrodes 100 forming a rigid frame aroundthe selected electrodes 100, to thereby prevent or at least limit theelasticity of electrode 130, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

The knitted frame is made of yarn having no or limited elasticity,around each electrode, except for the edge connected to a conductivetrace or a conductive stipe or a conductive wire.

In one example embodiment, the non-stretchable construction, having apreconfigured width, is knitted around the electrode circumference toform the stable frame. For example, the width is formed using 12adjacent needles.

When the garment is in use and is stretched, the fabric itself doesstretch during wearing, however, the electrodes remain substantially inthe same size and position.

Textile electrode 140 represents an electrode rigidified by spraying aspecial cross polymer lubricant on the external surface of electrode140, wherein the chemical cross polymer lubricant is absorbed into theyarns of electrode 140 to rigidify electrode 140 and thereby stabilizesthe electrodes' dimensions. The special cross polymer lubricant may alsobe sprayed on selected regions of the garment situated between twoadjacent textile electrodes 100.

Preferably, the special lubricant has the ability to stand at least apreconfigured number of washes, a comfort touch and feel of the garmentwhen in touch with the skin and wearing comfort.

Reference in now made to FIG. 2 that outlines an example knitting scheme200 of a conductive electrode designed for a Santoni type knittingmachine, wherein the conductive electrode is rigidified with a nylonyarn, according to embodiments of the present invention. Thereby,substantially reducing the elasticity of the electrode produced.

It should be noted that in previous electrode knitting constructions,the nylon base-yarn that takes part in the knitting program, is notknitted at the electrode area, but is floating at the back side of theelectrode. This is done in order to allow the conductive yarn to createthe float loops and be in substantive tangible contact with the body.

In this invention the nylon base-yarn is knitted together with theconductive yarn of the electrode to thereby form a more rigid and stablefabric.

The knitted electrode, as described in FIG. 2, is knitted to form floatloops made of the conductive yarns (for example, 70/2 Den by Xstatic),which are designed to float over the fabric surface in the number ofneedles as designed. The length of the float loop is determines by thenumber of needles the loop is floating over. This type of knittedtextile electrode is described in international patent applicationPCT/IL2013/050964 ('964), the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference for all purposes and is fully set forth herein.

As described in '964 the length of the float loops, as well as thespecific knitting density in the knitted electrode area, and in selectedareas in the basic garment, is determined by the desired quality levelof ECG signals. Furthermore, the use of float loops in a shifted needleknitting scheme, together with unique digital knitting density control,enables achieving the following important advantages:

-   -   Improve the pressure and the tightness of the electrodes to the        body which is a critical parameter for good efficient ECG        reading    -   Obtaining good conductivity across knitted line segments.    -   The electrodes are located well in the designated bodily        position even when the body is in motion.    -   The float loop electrodes can penetrate the hair on a hairy skin        allowing reaching good ECG signals with no need to remove the        hair as it is done today in regular ECG checks.    -   The float loop electrodes eliminating the use of gel or other        wetting material used today to reach ECG signals.

The float-loop electrodes are knitted together in same knitting processof knitting the basic garment and coming out of the machine as a singleunit. The tight float-loop knitting scheme produces a rigid electrodewith respect to the fabric situated adjacent to the electrode.

However, to further rigidify the float-loop electrode, the presentinvention, as outlined in FIG. 2, describes an example knitting method200 of producing a rigid float-loop electrode. In this exampleembodiment 200, the conductive yarn is made of Nylon covered with silveror stainless steel, knitted on an 8-feeds Santoni type circular knittingmachine (or machines with equivalent capabilities), together with thenon-conductive yarns: covered Spandex 50 (and/or bare spandex). In thisexample embodiment, the knitting scheme 210 is designed for a 4 (four)feeds system, but is using in the example shown, with no limitations, an8 (eight) feed Santoni type knitting machine, according to variations ofthe present invention. The 4 feeders knit four knitted lines, being fourloops of the continuous knitting spiral, including respective linesegments of each electrode that is situated on the garment section beingknitted.

In this embodiment, in all the knitting courses, the float loops thatare formed from the conductive yarn 60, that float over 7 needles, ascan be seen and appreciated by a person skilled in the art in FIG. 2,while the non-conductive covered (or optionally, bared) spandex 50 isknitted continuously in the same knitted course. It should be notedthat, in this embodiment, the base-yarn is referred to, with nolimitations, as a nylon base-yarn.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, four out of eight available feeders areused: feeders 1, 3, 5 and 7 are not used, while feeders 2, 4, 6 and 8are used. Generally, the same knitting scheme 210 is used in allcourses. However, the float-loop stitch starting needle D_(j) in Feederi+2 is shifted by s needles with respect to the float-loop stitchstarting needle in Feeder i. In the example shown in FIG. 4, s=1.

The present invention is not limited to the knitting parameters shown inthe example as illustrated in FIG. 2 and corresponding description inthe specifications. The example as illustrated in FIG. 2 exemplifiesmethods for knitting a garment 20 having a tubular form, includingknitting at least one conductive textile electrode, using a knittingmachine having N feeders and M needles.

In one embodiment the method includes continuously knitting a tubularform 20 with a flexible non-conductive yarn 50 and a nylon base-yarn 70,knitting the at least one textile electrode integrally within tubularform 20, using a conductive yarn 60, in addition to the non-conductiveyarns. However, in the electrode region, nylon base-yarn 70 ispreferably knitted in a knit-and-miss scheme. The nylon base-yarn 70 maybe knitted in a continuous or a knit-and-miss scheme, wherein theknit-and-miss may be in any combination, including knit one and miss one(knit-one-and-miss-one), knit two and skip one (knit-two-and-miss-one),knit one and skip two (knit-one-and-miss-two) and so on and so forth.

The conductive yarn 60 is knitted in a float-loop form by knitting astitch and then skipping over y needles, as follows:

-   -   i) knitting a course k, being a line segment L_(k), using feeder        F_(i) and starting at needle D_(j), wherein the next float-loop        starting stitch is at y needles away from the starting stitch        needle of the previous float-loop;    -   ii) knitting line segment L_(k+1), using the next participating        feeder and starting stitching the first float-loop with needle        D_(j+s), where 0<s<y and typically j=1; and    -   iii) repeat steps (i) and (ii) for a preconfigured length of the        tubular form 20, i.e. a preconfigured number of knitting        courses.

It should be noted that each line segment has a preconfigured length.

It should be further noted that a preconfigured number of feeders of theknitting machine participate in the knitting process of the garment.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3a , a schematic illustration of anexemplary garment 21, having a tubular form, wherein textile electrodes100 are knitted therein, and wherein regions of garment 21, immediatelyadjacent to textile electrodes 100, are rigidified or loosened,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Various types of rigidifying means are shown in FIG. 3a . While textileelectrode 100 represents a non-rigidified electrode, selected regions160, 170 and 180 represent rigidified electrodes or rigidified selectedregions that rigidify adjacent to electrodes.

Textile structure 160, also shown in details in FIG. 3b , represents aknitted structure for maintaining a substantially stable distancebetween horizontally adjacent electrodes 100, wherein non-elasticthreads 162 are knitted in between selected horizontally adjacentelectrodes 100, according to some embodiment of the present invention.

At least one substantially non-elastic thread 162 is knitted tointerconnect the proximal vertical edges 102 of horizontally adjacentelectrodes 100, wherein a certain amount of allowable controlledsuspension is given to each electrode 100 according to the expected bodydimensions of the wearer. Similarly, a special thread may be knitted tointerconnect proximal horizontal edges of vertically adjacent electrodes100.

When the knitted garment 21 is stretched on a monitored body (such as inthe wearing process), non-elastic thread 162, knitted between electrodes100, is suspended to a preconfigured distance, while electrodes 100maintain a stable and substantially equal relative distance among thepair of electrodes 100.

Non-elastic thread 162 may be a Nylon or Polyester yarn with limitedelasticity.

Textile structure 180 represents a structure for maintaining asubstantially stable distance between horizontally adjacent electrodes100, wherein the space in between horizontally adjacent electrodes 110is rigidified by a film of rigid material such as TPU. Electrode 100 istypically laminated with a rigidifying film on the external surface ofelectrode 100, according to some embodiment of the present invention.Typically, there is no need to apply heat or pressure to bond the film.The film of rigid material may also be laminated over fabric regions inbetween vertically adjacent electrodes 100.

A second mean to stabilizing the physical dimensions and the bodilypositioning of textile electrodes 100 is to loosen loosened regionsdisposed adjacent to selected textile electrodes 100. Textile structure190 provide loosened regions adjacent to selected electrodes 100,typically isolated electrodes 100, such as LA/RA (Left Arm/Right Arm)ECG electrodes. Loosened region 190 provide a protecting barrier near oraround an isolated electrodes 100 that is situation at or proximal to abodily region that is prone to motion artifact. For example LA/RA ECGelectrodes tend to move with respect to the adjacent skin area due tothe motion of the respective arms. Such motion of the respective armsform pulling forces within the garment regions that are near the arms.By, loosening the knitting density around such electrodes 100, therespective adjacent loosened region absorbs much of these pulling forcesto thereby prevent the absorbed pulling forces from reaching electrodes100, to thereby prevent the formation of motion artifact in the signalsensed by the respective textile electrode 100. As illustrated in FIG.3a knitted garment 21 includes at least one laminated structure 180 forsubstantially reducing the elasticity of the space in betweenhorizontally adjacent electrodes 100. The TPU film, having limitedstretchability, is laminated on the region of garment 21 betweenselected electrodes 100.

When the garment 100 is stretched during wearing, the laminated regions180 between horizontally adjacent electrodes 100 are stretched to apreconfigured distance in between electrodes 100, as allowed by the TPUfilm, and thereby keep the selected pair of electrodes 100 in thepreconfigured relative positioning, and prevent further stretching.

As illustrated in FIG. 3a knitted garment 21 includes at least onestructure 170 for substantially reducing the elasticity of an electrode100 and the garment fabric surrounding that electrode 100, according tosome embodiment of the present invention, wherein a safety net is builtaround that electrode 100 or is sewn in between selected adjacentelectrodes 100.

A non-elastic yarn, with limited stretchability, is sewn over anelectrode 100 and/or in between selected adjacent electrodes 100.

When the garment 100 is stretched during wearing, the sewn structure 170is suspended to a preconfigured distance and stops the electrodes 100from stretching further, while the garment (21) itself continues tostretch.

This will hold and ensure the relative positioning of each of theselected electrodes 100 with respective to each other.

When structure 170 is sewn as safety net over and around a selectedelectrode 100, structure 170 rigidifies the selected electrode 100.

The invention being thus described in terms of embodiments and examples,it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Suchvariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obviousto one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for stabilizing the physical dimensionsand positioning of at least one selected textile region of a knittedgarment, the method comprising the steps of: a) knitting the garment ina tubular form with a preconfigured knitting density, wherein at leastone conductive textile electrode is integrally knitted into the garment,while knitting the garment; b) rigidifying at least one of said at leastone selected textile region, thereby substantially reducing theelasticity of said at least one selected textile region; and c) knittinga preconfigured region proximal to said at least one selected textileregion with a lower knitting density than said preconfigured density ofsaid tubular form, to thereby form a loosened said region in saidproximity to said at least one selected textile region.
 2. The textileregion stabilizing method as in claim 1, wherein said at least oneselected textile region is said at least one conductive textileelectrode.
 3. The textile region stabilizing method as in claim 1,wherein said rigidifying includes applying rigidifying matter ontoand/or into said at least one selected textile region.
 4. The textileregion stabilizing method as in claim 3, wherein said rigidifying matteris thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and wherein said TPU is laminatedover the external surface of said at least one selected textile region.5. The textile region stabilizing method as in claim 3, wherein saidrigidifying matter is fusible yarn having a low melting point; whereinsaid fusible yarn is knitted over the external surface of said at leastone selected textile region; and wherein when the fabric of said garmentis dyed, said fusible yarn melts and thereby creates a stable andrigidified area.
 6. The textile region stabilizing method as in claim 3,wherein said rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no orlimited elasticity, and wherein a frame, having a preconfigured width,is knitted around said at least one selected textile region, using saidnon-elastic yarn.
 7. The textile region stabilizing method as in claim3, wherein said rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no orlimited elasticity, and wherein said non-elastic yarn is knitted in saidregion of said garment between two adjacent textile electrodes.
 8. Thetextile region stabilizing method as in claim 3, wherein saidrigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no or limitedelasticity, and wherein said non-elastic yarn is sewn over said at leastone selected textile region.
 9. The textile region stabilizing method asin claim 3 further comprising the step of modifying the elasticity of atleast one other selected region of the garment.
 10. The textile regionstabilizing method as in claim 2, wherein said rigidifying includesknitting said at least one textile electrode with higher knittingdensity than said preconfigured knitting density of said tubular form.11. A method for knitting a garment having a tubular form being knittedwith a base-yarn, including knitting at least one conductive textileelectrode, using a knitting machine having N participating feeders and Mneedles, the method comprising the steps of: a) continuously knittingsaid tubular form with one or more flexible non-conductive base-yarnsand with a preconfigured knitting density; and b) knitting said at leastone textile electrode integrally within said tubular form, using aconductive yarn, in addition to said non-conductive yarns, wherein saidconductive yarn is knitted in a float-loop form by knitting a stitch andskipping over y needles, as follows: i) continue knitting with at leastone base-yarn, when start knitting a current line segment of aconductive textile electrode; ii) knitting a line segment L_(k), usingfeeder F_(i) and start stitching with needle D_(j); iii) knitting linethe next segment L_(k+1), using the next feeder F_(i+1) and startstitching the first float-loop with needle D_(j+s), where 0<s<y; iv)repeat steps (i) and (ii) for N feeders and for a preconfigured numberof line segments, wherein each line segment has a preconfigured length;and v) resume knitting with the base-yarns, when completed knitting saidcurrent line segment, wherein said float-loops are knitted in a shiftedneedle knitting scheme, together with unique digital knitting densitycontrol, to thereby improve the pressure and the tightness of said atleast one conductive textile electrode to the skin of the user; andwherein a preconfigured region, proximal to said at least one conductivetextile electrode, is knitted with a lower knitting density than saidpreconfigured density of said tubular form, to thereby form a loosenedregion in said proximity to said at least one conductive textileelectrode.
 12. The knitting method as in claim 11, wherein saidcontinued knitting with at least one base-yarn is knitted in aknit-and-miss knitting scheme, to thereby modify the elasticity of atleast one conductive textile electrode of a knitted garment.
 13. Theknitting method as in claim 11, wherein j=1.
 14. A garment having atubular form, being knitted by a seamless knitting machine withbase-yarns, the garment comprising at least one conductive textileelectrode, said at least one conductive textile electrode comprising amultiplicity of knitted line segments, each knitted with a conductiveyarn and a spandex yarn, wherein said spandex yarn is knittedcontinuously; wherein at least one of said base-yarns continues knittingwhen start knitting a current line segment of a conductive textileelectrode, in a knit-and-miss knitting scheme; wherein said conductiveyarn has a float-loop form, forming a multiplicity of said float-loops;wherein each of said float-loops is knitted by skipping over y needlesbetween consecutive stitches; and wherein a given of said line segmentsstarts stitching by needle D_(j), and the next of said line segmentsstarts stitching by needle D_(j+s), where 0<s<y, wherein said tubularform is knitted with a preconfigured knitting density; and wherein apreconfigured region, proximal to said at least one conductive textileelectrode, is knitted with a lower knitting density than saidpreconfigured density of said tubular form, to thereby form a loosenedregion in said proximity to said at least one conductive textileelectrode.
 15. The garment as in claim 14, wherein said at least onetextile electrode is knitted with higher knitting density than saidpreconfigured knitting density of said tubular form.
 16. The garment asin claim 14, wherein at least one conductive textile electrode isrigidified by applying rigidifying matter onto said at least oneconductive textile electrode.
 17. The garment as in claim 16, whereinsaid at least one conductive textile electrode is rigidified using TPU,and wherein said TPU is laminated over the external surface of said atleast one conductive textile electrode.
 18. The garment as in claim 16,wherein said at least one conductive textile electrode is rigidifiedusing fusible yarn having a low melting point, wherein said a fusibleyarn is knitted over the external surface of said at least oneconductive textile electrode; and wherein when said garment is dyed,said fusible yarn melts and thereby creates a stable and rigidifiedarea.
 19. The garment as in claim 16, wherein said at least oneconductive textile electrode is rigidified using a non-elastic yarnhaving no or limited elasticity.
 20. The garment as in claim 16, whereinsaid rigidifying matter is a cross polymer lubricant, and wherein saidcross polymer lubricant is sprayed over in said at least one conductivetextile electrode.